Queens Jubilee Rally to Poole 2-5th June
Published 17:39 on 10 Jun 2022
Thursday 2nd June.
Weather forecast was varied 3 to 5.
There were 8 boats going to Poole 4 yachts and 3 motor boats.
The 4 yachts set off early for the 36 mile journey, from 9:00am onwards, the 3 motor boats departing at various times from 11:00 to 12:00 am.
The run down the Solent was uneventful apart from the fact there were lots of boats out, particularly around Cowes.
A number of us chose the Shingles North Channel around Hurst Castle while a few chose the Needles Channel. The water around the Hurst Spit was like a mill pond, passing the Christchurch Ledge and on into Poole Bay the sea got quite roly and reports of wind gusts of F6 were reportedly seen.
We all arrived safely at the Poole Quay Boat Haven (PQBH) at varying times from 2:30am to 6:00pm. General observation the PQBH appears quite old and tired and could do with some refurbishment especially the showers and toilets.
Carries Kiss hosted drinks aboard for all and Jubilee fireworks could be seen over on Sandbanks later, quite a spectacle.
Friday 3rd June.
The Poole Seafood Festival was in full swing by lunch time with a variety of food stalls and a stage with live music bands and music playing until 10:00pm.
A few of us went on the Poole Cockle walk which took us down the quay by the St James church around by the Guildhall back down to the quay taking in quite a few lovely old buildings along the way. Thanks, Brian, for printing the guides. The Sunseeker yard was also a sight to see.... This time next year Rodney
At 6:00pm there was a Pontoon party on and around Vin Rouge before departing for dinner at the Rockfish restaurant on the Quay a few minutes' walk away. The food and company were excellent and a great time was had by all.
Saturday 4th June
Some sore heads this morning.
At 12:00pm boats around the harbour and PQBH joined others around the UK and sounded their horns and whistles as a Ship Salute to mark the Queens Platinum Jubilee.
The Poole Seafood Festival was in full swing again by lunchtime as most of us departed for the RNLI College tour a few minutes' walk from PQBH.
Here is where willing lifeboat volunteers from across the UK and Ireland are trained to become able crew members.
This is an amazing facility, we were taken through the build sheds, engine training room, into the wave tank and finished up into the lifeboat simulator.
Here Linda and Iain took the helm in various sea conditions, quite an experience for all of us as it gave a realistic experience of what it's like for these brave RNLI volunteer crews.
The RNLI needs £180 million a year to operate and all from private donations, no government or lottery support.
Dinner this evening was at the La Lupa restaurant again on the Quay a few minutes from PQBH. A repeat of the previous evening with good food and company. Some of us got soaked on leaving the restaurant the sky's opened and it threw it down. There was an enormous overnight thunderstorm glad I closed those hatches.
Sunday 5th June
Time to leave PQBH.
Most of the yachts left early to catch the tide turn at Hurst point at approx. 10:30am and ride it back to Portsmouth.
Personally, we arrived back at Haslar at 1:00pm in time to miss the late afternoon rain.
All in all, a great longer distance rally brilliantly organised by Jeremy, Stephen and Brian with lots to see and do.
Note: There are more pictures in the gallery.
Thank You!
Graham Armitage
Related
- Queen's Jubilee Rally to Poole (2 - 5 June 2022)
Last updated 13:22 on 25 October 2023